Getting married on Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is a unique wedding destination for couples who love dramatic mountains, elegant villas and authentic Italian charm.
It is the second-largest lake in Italy, shared by Piedmont, Lombardy and the Swiss region of Ticino.
The most romantic venues are mainly on the Piedmont shore, between Stresa, Baveno and Pallanza, framed by the snow-capped Alps.

Getting married on Lake Maggiore means celebrating your big day on the water, with historic hotels, islands and lush gardens all around you.
Discover more on our Lake Maggiore weddings page, with venues, photos and ideas for your celebration.

Stresa and the Borromean Gulf

Stresa, Belle Époque gem on Lake Maggiore

Stresa is the most famous town on Lake Maggiore.
In the late 1800s it welcomed queens, writers, poets and artists travelling on their Grand Tour.
Today you can still breathe that Belle Époque atmosphere in its waterfront hotels, such as Hotel Regina Palace and, above all, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées.
Here Ernest Hemingway wrote part of A Farewell to Arms in a suite overlooking the islands.

Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore

Just in front of Stresa lies the tiny archipelago of the Borromean Islands: Isola Pescatori, Isola Bella and Isola Madre.

• Isola dei Pescatori is the most quaint. Once a simple fishermen’s village, today it has narrow cobbled streets, small hotels and restaurants, and a very authentic feel.
• Isola Bella is the masterpiece of the archipelago. The Borromeo family still owns the palace and gardens, which have been the backdrop to many high-profile weddings. The Italian gardens, with terraces, statues and fountains, are perfect for unforgettable photos.
• Isola Madre is wilder and more quiet, with a lush botanical garden that offers many romantic corners for couple portraits.

Baveno and Pallanza on Lake Maggiore

On the same shore you also find Baveno and Pallanza.
Both villages offer charming venues on the water, ideal for receptions with larger guest lists.
Elegant hotels, lakeside promenades and historic villas make this stretch of the lake very flexible for medium and big weddings.

Getting Married On Lake Maggiore: why couples love this lake

Here are some of the reasons why couples fall in love with this area:

• Snow-capped Alps and clear waters as the natural backdrop for your Italian wedding
• Delicious food and wines from the Piedmont culinary tradition
• Elegant Belle Époque hotels and historic villas
• Romantic boat trips around the Borromean Gulf
• Catholic, civil or symbolic ceremonies with breathtaking lake views
• Easy access from Milan Malpensa Airport, only about 40 minutes away
• Romantic villas and restaurants that guarantee privacy and an intimate atmosphere
• A famous destination that still feels relaxed and far from mass tourism

Catholic wedding on Lake Maggiore

If you are dreaming of a Roman Catholic ceremony, getting married on Lake Maggiore is a very charming option. We can suggest several churches in different areas of the lake, from the Borromean Islands to the mainland villages.

Churches on the Borromean Islands

First of all, you can choose one of the little churches on Isola Pescatori or Isola Bella. Both are dedicated to San Vittore and they are incredibly charming. The church on Isola Pescatori is set inside the tiny fishermen’s village, very quaint and intimate, without a lake view. The Baroque church of Isola Bella, instead, is located right by the shores.

For both options we can plan lovely boat trips to reach the church, with a special arrival for the bride who can make a grand entrance by boat. These two churches are quite small, so they are ideal for intimate celebrations and limited guest numbers.

Beautiful churches along the shores

If you are expecting more guests, we can suggest several larger churches on the mainland. The church in Lesa, not far from Stresa and easy to reach by boat, is a very good option. Another beautiful choice is the church in Carciano, in Stresa, located near the lakeshore and offering a lovely view over the water.

We can also recommend the pretty ancient church in Belgirate or the wonderful complex of churches in Baveno, both within walking distance from two of the top venues for wedding receptions.

Finally, we cannot forget the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa. In this case a van transfer is required, but the journey is absolutely worth it. From this high point you can admire a breathtaking view of the lake and the Alps. Your Catholic wedding on Lake Maggiore will be romantic and deeply atmospheric wherever you decide to say “I do”.

Civil weddings and town halls

A legal civil ceremony is possible in several town halls around the lake for couples getting married on Lake Maggiore.
Baveno, Pallanza and Lesa usually host weddings in their elegant ceremony rooms.
In Stresa you can celebrate your marriage in the historic town hall building, right in the centre of the village and close to the main harbour.

Stresa also allows couples to marry legally on Isola Pescatori.
The venue is a small room and can welcome about 30 guests, which makes it ideal for elopements and small weddings.
A legal civil wedding here is also a great excuse for a private boat cruise on the lake.

Villa Giulia, civil wedding venue on Lake Maggiore

One of the most impressive civil venues is Villa Giulia, part of Pallanza municipality.
This early-1900s villa stands right on the lakeshore. Ceremonies can take place in the lakeside garden, in the halls inside the villa or – for a truly breathtaking experience – on the rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view over the Borromean Gulf.

Stresa, Belle Époque gem on Lake Maggiore

Another elegant solution is Villa Claudia, on the hills near Stresa.
Here you can combine a legal civil ceremony with a reception in the same place, enjoying a wide terrace and beautiful views. Transfers are required, as the villa is not walking distance from the main hotels, but the atmosphere is very special.

Symbolic ceremonies by the water

Many couples prefer to complete the legal paperwork at home and then plan a symbolic ceremony in Italy.
Getting married on Lake Maggiore with a symbolic blessing gives you full freedom with timing, style and rituals.

Most villas and hotels allow you to hold the ceremony in their gardens, on a terrace or in a courtyard.
Your guests can enjoy the view during the vows and then move smoothly to the aperitif and dinner in the same place.

Wedding receptions: villas and hotels

For couples getting married on Lake Maggiore there is a wide range of reception venues: luxury hotels, historic villas and traditional restaurants on the water.
You can choose between classic Belle Époque interiors and more relaxed outdoor settings, depending on your style.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa on Lake Maggiore

In Stresa, Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées is a classic five-star property facing the Borromean Islands.
The halls are decorated with frescoes and gilded stuccoes, and the gardens include two wonderful spots for symbolic ceremonies: the Ninfeo dei Continenti and a lakeside garden area.

Each floor of the hotel feels like an art gallery, so the atmosphere is very regal – perfect if you love historic glamour.

Sky-bar terrace in Stresa

For a small wedding we often suggest a sky-bar terrace on top of a boutique hotel in Stresa.
You can rent the entire terrace or a private area and enjoy sunset views over the lake while dining under the stars. It is an intimate and very scenic option.

Wedding reception on Borromean Islands

If you dream of a reception on the islands, the best option is Isola dei Pescatori.
Isola Bella and Isola Madre do not currently offer proper reception venues, but on Isola dei Pescatori there are two lovely restaurants and small hotels. They are perfect for a cosy dinner with fairy lights and lake views, especially for medium or small groups.

Hotels in Baveno

Baveno has two excellent lakeside hotels belonging to the same local family.
They are known for their welcoming atmosphere, elegant halls and attention to detail. Choosing one of these properties is always a safe choice for a classic reception.

Villa Rusconi Clerici and other villas

In Pallanza you find another historic hotel on the lake and, most importantly, Villa Rusconi Clerici.
This villa is the only one in the area with a large garden directly on the shore. You can host a symbolic ceremony or aperitif on the lawn, then move to the marquee for dinner while still enjoying a full view of the islands.

There are also two other villas that work very well for receptions with stunning views.
One is located in Stresa, within walking distance from the main hotels, and offers a park with an old fountain, indoor halls and the possibility of a marquee. The other is again Villa Claudia, where you can combine ceremony, aperitif and dinner on the panoramic terrace or in the historical halls.

In addition to these, there are several smaller hotels and villas spread between Stresa, Baveno and Pallanza. We are always happy to suggest the best match according to your style and guest list.

Lombardy shore and Rocca di Angera

Until now we have mostly talked about the Piedmont side of the lake.
However, the Lombardy shore is also very interesting for getting married on Lake Maggiore.
The atmosphere is a little more informal, with camping sites, sailing schools and water parks.

Among them you can find charming hotels and villas with large parks right on the water, perfect for relaxed outdoor receptions and fireworks.

Rocca di Angera

The real jewel on this side is Rocca di Angera, near Varese.
This impressive fortress sits on a rocky hill and looks like a real castle, with thick stone walls, terraces over the lake and a vast park. It is considered one of the most exclusive venues on Lake Maggiore and is ideal if you are planning a very high-end event.

Reaching it requires a bit more organisation for transfers, yet everything can be arranged smoothly, and the result is absolutely worth it.

Plan your wedding on Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore perfectly blends a Mediterranean atmosphere with alpine landscapes.
Here you find Belle Époque hotels, elegant villas, historic churches and quiet villages, all within easy reach of Milan Malpensa Airport.

Getting married on Lake Maggiore can be the perfect alternative to more famous lakes such as Como or Garda, especially if you love a refined yet relaxed setting.
Whether you are planning a large celebration or an intimate elopement, our team will be happy to help you design a wedding that feels truly yours on Lake Maggiore.

If you are thinking about getting married on Lake Maggiore and would like some help choosing venues, ceremonies and logistics, feel free to get in touch with us. You can contact us through our contact formand our Lake Maggiore wedding planners will be happy to help you plan your Italian lake wedding.